QUESTIONS

Answer

1 - Sex & Gender theory education

The controversial Safe Schools program introduces gender theory to schoolchildren as though it were fact. Tasmania and NSW have withdrawn Safe Schools and similar type programs but have had to exercise vigilance to ensure that gender theory is not included in the school curriculum under different names.

- Does your party have a policy on whether gender theory should be taught in schools and, if so, could you please state what that policy is?

- Does your party commit to withdrawing the controversial Safe Schools program and other similar programs already being taught?

The Federal Labor party has stated its intention, if elected to government, is to provide federal funding to the Safe Schools program. In this event, will your party:

- Refuse federal funding and maintain a commitment to keep gender theory programs out of the classroom?

2 - Abortion

The Law Reform Commission (LRC) is currently considering abortion laws in Queensland and is expected to report in the second half of 2018.

- Does your party propose to change current abortion laws in Queensland and, if so, how? Could you please outline your party’s policy on abortion?

- Will you adhere to this policy for the entire 56th parliament?

- If your party forms government, will you allow Members of your party to pursue abortion law reforms through Private Member’s Bills?

3 - Euthanasia

Various state governments have debated the introduction of laws to allow assisted suicide or euthanasia.

- Will your party commit to ensuring that euthanasia is not legalised in Queensland?

- If your party forms government, will you allow Members of your party to pursue Euthanasia law reforms through a Private Member’s Bills?

4 - Outdoor advertising

Advertising standards are currently supervised under a system of self-regulation administered by the Advertising Standards Bureau (ASB), which relies on the voluntary compliance of advertisers. While it sounds admirable on paper, this system of self-regulation in practice fails to compel compliance from advertisers, whose commercial interests are better served through displaying sexual imagery. There are no penalties, no fines, no consequences for advertisers who consistently delight in flouting community standards and triumphing publicly over their critics.

- Will your party commit to a policy to ensure that outdoor advertising is ‘G’ rated?

- Will your party commit to introducing legislation to penalise advertisers who repeatedly breach the code?

5 - Prostitution

The University of Queensland has found that the legalisation of brothels in Queensland has failed to curb the growth of prostitution, with up to 90 per cent of Queensland’s prostitution industry remaining unregulated and illegal. Sex trafficking continues to be a problem. Internationally, policies discouraging demand for sexual services are proving to be the most effective way of limiting both the size of and the harms resulting from prostitution. The policy approach known as the “Nordic model” comprises three essential elements:

buying sexual services becomes a criminal offence. The message that purchasing sexual services is socially unacceptable can be reinforced with public education campaigns.

selling sexual services is decriminalised

funding and support is provided for exit strategies to assist prostituted persons to leave this industry.

- Will your party commit to a meaningful examination of this successful policy approach to prostitution with a view to implementing a similar approach in Queensland?

6 - Human Rights Bill

In the event that a ‘Yes’ result is returned in the current national opinion survey on same-sex marriage, and same-sex marriage becomes law:

- There has been some discussion concerning the introduction of a Bill to protect human rights. What is your party’s policy on this issue? How will your party ensure that such a bill gives equality to the rights of freedom of freedom of thought conscience and religion and freedom of expression so that they do not become subservient to the right of non-discrimination?

- Specifically how will your party protect the freedom of thought conscience and religion and freedom of expression of the substantial number of Queenslanders who will not want to use their professional and/or artistic skills to be involved in same-sex marriages?

Section 124A of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991, a so-called “hate speech” provision has been used recently to suppress freedom of speech. In a free and democratic society, commentators should have the freedom to argue points of view without the threat of coercive action against them if they cause offense. Will your party commit to an examination of the impact that s124A has had on free speech and consider amending or removing this section?

7 - Child safety – Foster system

There are currently 9000 children in foster care in Queensland. Recent figures show that there have been only 2 adoptions.

- What is your party’s policy with regard to foster care? Will your party commit to reform the Queensland foster care system and adoption procedures to provide permanency and stability for children in foster care?